CVE-2018-4084 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.13.3 is affected. The issue involves the "Wi-Fi" component. It allows attackers to bypass intended memory-read restrictions via a crafted app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4084 represents a critical security flaw within Apple's macOS operating system affecting versions prior to 10.13.3. This weakness specifically targets the Wi-Fi component of the system and demonstrates how seemingly isolated software modules can create significant pathways for unauthorized access. The vulnerability exploits memory read restrictions that are typically enforced to protect system integrity and user privacy, creating a scenario where malicious actors can circumvent these protective mechanisms through carefully crafted applications. The issue fundamentally undermines the security model that Apple implements to safeguard user data and system resources from unauthorized access attempts.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the Wi-Fi subsystem, allowing attackers to craft malicious applications that can read memory locations that should normally be restricted. This type of flaw falls under the broader category of memory safety issues and can be classified as a privilege escalation vulnerability where a user-level application gains elevated access to system resources. The vulnerability's exploitation requires sophisticated understanding of the underlying memory layout and system architecture, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to access sensitive information or potentially execute arbitrary code. The weakness specifically affects the kernel-level components that manage Wi-Fi functionality, creating a direct pathway from user-space applications to protected system memory regions.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-4084 extends beyond simple data theft, as it fundamentally compromises the security boundaries that protect macOS systems from malicious interference. Attackers can potentially access network configuration data, authentication credentials, and other sensitive information that flows through the Wi-Fi subsystem. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as affected systems are operational, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where macOS devices handle sensitive corporate data. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require physical access or complex attack chains, making it accessible to threat actors with moderate technical skills. Organizations running affected macOS versions face increased risk of data breaches and unauthorized system access, particularly in environments where network monitoring and security controls may be insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus primarily on immediate system updates to macOS 10.13.3 or later versions where Apple has implemented patches addressing the memory read restriction bypass. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these security updates across all affected devices, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple macOS systems may be vulnerable. Additional protective measures include implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous Wi-Fi traffic patterns and enforcing strict application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted applications. The vulnerability's characteristics align with tactics described in the attack framework where adversaries attempt to establish persistent access through privilege escalation techniques, making defensive measures that focus on application control and system hardening particularly effective. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.